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Impact windows are a type of window made with impact-resistant glass, designed specifically for hurricanes. The glass, treated with ethylene-vinyl, can withstand winds up to 200 mph, as well as flying debris. Brands sometimes test their impact windows with large missile impact tests.

Impact windows may be required in some places. For instance, the Florida Building Code requires homes to have impact-resistant windows if they live within a mile of the coast where wind speeds can reach 110 mph or more.

Double-pane windows offer several key benefits, making them a worthwhile investment. They provide superior insulation and energy efficiency compared to single-pane windows, which helps limit heat loss, maintain more comfortable indoor temperatures, and lower your utility bills. The design, which features two panes of glass filled with air or gas, also dramatically reduces noise from outside, making your home significantly quieter. Additionally, the dual-pane construction strengthened by spacers improves the durability and security of your windows.

Most manufacturers have their name imprinted somewhere on the window, such as the spacer bar, hardware, or frame. Other manufacturers will include an identification number printed on the glass itself. If you’re unable to find either of these, then your window was manufactured locally (oftentimes called a “shop window”). 

With a manufacturer name (or even better, the identification number) you can attempt to research the information to find out when the product was made. Keep in mind this won’t tell you when the window was installed on your home, but can get you close.

Mulled windows are no less efficient than individual windows, provided the wall opening is the same size. Larger wall openings filled with glass will always reduce overall energy efficiency, as glass transmits heat more readily than a solid wall. If the windows that are mulled together have the same square footage as individual windows, you might actually see a small decrease in your electric bills, as mulled windows let in more natural light that can reduce interior lighting costs.